Don't Be Idle (3)

Tony Devenish: Who should Westminster Councillors contact to work together to address this problem?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Local Communities & Partnerships team works closely with councillors across London on a range of issues and would be happy to ensure that Westminster councillors are in contact with the relevant teams at TfL. I have asked them to contact Westminster Councillors directly about this matter.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/1173.

Countdown Information Boards (2)

Joanne McCartney: What plans do you have to ensure all bus stops in Enfield & Haringey have a Countdown Information Board?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) provides real time bus arrival information for Londoners through a number of channels and its research shows that most Londoners have access to internet enabled devices such as smartphones, which can be used to get this information. As a result, since the implementation of 2,500 Countdown signs in shelters in 2011/2, additional Countdown Information Boards have not been prioritised in the budget. However, TfL recognises that at-stop real-time bus arrival information continues to be highly valued by customers, and is exploring various options for providing it, including installation of new signs and trials of new technology.
In the meantime, TfL does understand that there will be local requests for further signs and, providing the stop is suitable, has offered the opportunity for London boroughs to purchase additional signs, using for example secured Section 106 funding or alternative private purchase funding streams. Borough representatives can email[emailprotected]with details of the bus stops they are interested in.
TfL will also keep working with third parties to ensure data is distributed through internet enabled devices such as smartphones.

Planning Call-ins

Tony Devenish: Having overruled the local council on three occasions to impose unwanted skyscrapers in Kensington and Chelsea – at Newcombe House, Kensington Fourm Hotel and 100 West Cromwell Road – how does your approach meet your commitment to respect the character of existing neighbourhoods?

The Mayor: Tall buildings have a role to play in helping London to accommodate its expected growth. Policies in my draft London Plan make it clear that these must be in appropriate locations and have the required design quality. In the case of Kensington Forum and Newcombe House, the proposals involved the replacement of existing tall buildings with new buildings of improved design. With 100 West Cromwell Road, following my call-in, GLA officers negotiated a number of changes, including more affordable housing, improved community facilities and an increase in height of the tall building. We received the formal response of the Royal Borough confirming their support for the revised proposals. I consider these examples are entirely consistent with the aim of my policies which are to support tall buildings where they are of good quality and in the right place.